DMXF vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DMXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - DMXF tracks the MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DMXF returned 6.83%/yr vs 9.60%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DMXF charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

DMXF vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DMXF achieves a 11.52% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.92% return.

DMXF

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 5.69%
• YTD: 11.52%
• 6M: 13.01%
• 1Y: 19.38%
• 3Y*: 14.81%
• 5Y*: 6.83%
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 14.92%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 32.48%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DMXF vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF	11.52%	22.07%	3.99%	20.52%	-19.25%	10.90%	23.13%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.92%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	22.64%

Correlation

The correlation between DMXF and VEA is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2020	0.93

The correlation between DMXF and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

DMXF vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DMXF	VEA
Financial Services	31.6%	23.3%
Technology	18.3%	13.8%
Industrials	16.3%	19.2%
Healthcare	10.6%	8.2%
Communication Services	7.0%	3.4%
Basic Materials	4.8%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	4.6%	7.5%
Real Estate	3.9%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	5.6%
Utilities	0.6%	3.3%
Energy	-	5.4%

Return for Risk

DMXF vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DMXF

DMXF Risk / Return Rank: 34
DMXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
DMXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
DMXF Omega Ratio Rank: 32
DMXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
DMXF Martin Ratio Rank: 39

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 60

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DMXF vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	DMXF	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	2.09	-0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	2.87	-1.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.38	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	2.81	-1.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.16	10.94	-4.78
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DMXF vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DMXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DMXF and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DMXF	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.21	2.09	-0.87
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39	0.58	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.25	+0.41

Drawdowns

DMXF vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DMXF drawdown since its inception was -34.52%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DMXF and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DMXF	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.52%	-60.68%	+26.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.84%	-11.63%	-0.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.54%	-13.45%	-3.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.52%	-29.71%	-4.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-0.90%	+0.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.67%	-13.29%	+5.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.15%	2.98%	+0.17%

Volatility

DMXF vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) is 5.13%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 5.66%. This indicates that DMXF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DMXF	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	5.66%	-0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.29%	13.32%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.07%	15.66%	+0.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.68%	16.55%	+1.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.25%	17.36%	-0.11%

DMXF vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DMXF has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DMXF vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

DMXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.35%, more than VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF	4.35%	4.85%	2.92%	2.29%	2.37%	1.91%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DMXF and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DMXF and VEA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DMXF or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to DMXF (5.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DMXF dropped -34.52% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, DMXF or VEA?

On 5-year performance, VEA leads with 9.60% vs 6.83% for DMXF. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, DMXF has been the lower-risk option at 5.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DMXF or VEA?

Over the 5-year period, VEA has performed better with a 9.60% return vs 6.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DMXF or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for DMXF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DMXF or VEA?

DMXF has the higher dividend yield at 4.35%, compared with 2.62% for VEA.

What is the main difference between DMXF and VEA?

DMXF tracks MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DMXF and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.21), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.